Difference between revisions of "AH-1F"

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{{About
 
{{About
 
| about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 
| about = American attack helicopter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
−
| usage = other uses
+
| usage = other versions
 
| link = AH-1 (Family)
 
| link = AH-1 (Family)
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it is talking about.''-->
+
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the helicopter, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the helicopter in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. This helicopter was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} American attack helicopter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.81 "The Valkyries"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
<!--Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuvrability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.-->
+
<!-- ''Describe how the helicopter behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
The AH-1F is a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, it provides up to 1300 BHP & 210 Kgf with a mass of 350 Kg. This turboshaft engine is able to push the AH-1F to speeds in excess of 277 km/h whilst carrying wing mounted armaments.  
+
The AH-1F has a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, which provides up to 1300 bhp & 210 kgf with a mass of 350 kg. This turboshaft engine is able to push the AH-1F to speeds in excess of 277 km/h whilst carrying wing mounted armaments.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Characteristics
+
! colspan="3" | Characteristics
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | ''Stock''
+
! colspan="3" | ''Stock''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! AB !! RB
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|266||259||3475
+
| 258 || 247 || 3,475 <!-- {{Specs|ceiling}} -->
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | ''Upgraded''
+
! colspan="3" | ''Upgraded''
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 1,000 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! AB !! RB
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|288||277||3475
+
| 288 || 277 || 3,475 <!-- {{Specs|ceiling}} -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
−
<!--Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, how many engines the vehicle has. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.-->
+
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the helicopter. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical systems.'' -->
−
 
 
 
The AH-1F is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:
 
The AH-1F is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:
  
 
* Composite boron carbide seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
 
* Composite boron carbide seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
−
* A steel seat, which offers a thickness of 12 mm for the pilot only.  
+
* A steel seat, which offers a thickness of 12 mm for the pilot only.
 
* Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.
 
* Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.
  
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== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}
 
{{main|M197 (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
 
+
* 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, chin turret (750 rpg)
−
* 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon (750 rpg = 750 total)
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
−
[[File:AH-1F_SandShark1.jpg|420px|thumb|right|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' Engaged in combat, firing a TOW missile]]
+
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
<!--Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.-->
+
[[File:AH-1F_SandShark1.jpg|420px|thumb|right|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' engaged in combat, firing a TOW missile]]
 
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|BGM-71 TOW|M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)}}
 
{{main|FFAR Mighty Mouse|BGM-71 TOW|M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)}}
  
−
The AH-1F offers a wide range of choice for secondary armament, up to 12 choices:
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
−
 
+
* Without load
−
*Without load
+
* 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
−
*28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
* 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
−
*76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
* 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
−
*2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
+
* 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
−
*2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun & 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
−
*2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
* 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
−
*4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
+
* 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
−
*4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
+
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
−
*4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
* 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
−
*8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
+
* 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
−
*8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
+
* 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
−
*8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles & 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine gun
 
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!--Describe the tactics of playing in the helicopter, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view but give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in a helicopter, the features of using helicopter in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
When playing the AH-1F, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. It is critically important that you engage them from the rear of side. This way, it reduces their awareness of you, since they will be looking forward, this will help you by making the adversary become disoriented when attacked. This will give you a stealthy advantage, like a ninja.  
+
When playing the AH-1F, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. It is critically important that you engage them from the rear of side. This way, it reduces their awareness of you, since they will be looking forward, this will help you by making the adversary become disoriented when attacked. This will give you a stealthy advantage, like a ninja.
−
Advancing onto the target, come in as fast as possible, then slow down quickly, by raising the noise of the helicopter up. When slowed down, Engage the sight stabilizer and fire the tow missile and guide it onto the target.  
+
Advancing onto the target, come in as fast as possible, then slow down quickly, by raising the noise of the helicopter up. When slowed down, Engage the sight stabilizer and fire the tow missile and guide it onto the target.
  
 
If the target starts moving, rolling or starts trying to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to what your adversary is doing. Until you see an explosion, the target going down in flames whilst the reward and notification are showing up.
 
If the target starts moving, rolling or starts trying to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to what your adversary is doing. Until you see an explosion, the target going down in flames whilst the reward and notification are showing up.
  
−
If out of the range, the missile will self-detonate and could give your position away, if your adversary looks around.  
+
If out of the range, the missile will self-detonate and could give your position away, if your adversary looks around.
  
−
{{Notice|Remember you only have around one and a half miles before the missiles will denote by them self, you can only select to carry either 4 or 8 BG-71 Tow missiles.|!}}  
+
{{Notice|Remember you only have around one and a half miles before the missiles will denote by them self, you can only select to carry either 4 or 8 BG-71 Tow missiles.|!}}
  
−
To overcome this, with enough time spent playing with the BG-71 missiles, you will be able to determine when you are within range based on your experience. This also applies to any other type of missile in the game too.  
+
To overcome this, with enough time spent playing with the BG-71 missiles, you will be able to determine when you are within range based on your experience. This also applies to any other type of missile in the game too.
  
−
When engaging in Close quarters combat with other helicopters, the biggest threats are air-to-air missiles. Since the AH-1F only offers limited protection against them with countermeasures with its IRCM module. This means you need to stay alert, active & on the lookout for fast moving dots. If you see a small fast dot heading towards you, make very sharp abrupt turns, change height at the same time while turning and rolling.  
+
When engaging in Close quarters combat with other helicopters, the biggest threats are air-to-air missiles. Since the AH-1F only offers limited protection against them with countermeasures with its IRCM module. This means you need to stay alert, active & on the lookout for fast moving dots. If you see a small fast dot heading towards you, make very sharp abrupt turns, change height at the same time while turning and rolling.
  
−
{{Notice|These are the biggest threats to you in battle, since they can carry air-to-air missiles|!!}}  
+
{{Notice|These are the biggest threats to you in battle, since they can carry air-to-air missiles|!!}}
  
 
*[[AH-1Z|AH-1Z Viper]]
 
*[[AH-1Z|AH-1Z Viper]]
−
*[[Mi-24P|Mi-24P Hind]]  
+
*[[Mi-24P|Mi-24P Hind]]
 
*[[Mi-24V|Mi-24V Hind]]
 
*[[Mi-24V|Mi-24V Hind]]
 
*[[Mi-35M]]
 
*[[Mi-35M]]
Line 111: Line 106:
 
*[[EC-665 Tiger UHT]]
 
*[[EC-665 Tiger UHT]]
  
−
{{Notice|You may even be able to shoot down missiles with the installed 20 mm triple rotary M197 cannon.|!}}  
+
{{Notice|You may even be able to shoot down missiles with the installed 20 mm triple rotary M197 cannon.|!}}
  
 
When engaging other helicopters, the triple barrel rotary cannon makes short work of any adversary. Make sure to load it with the air target belt, aim for critical elements of the rival helicopters such as cockpit, engine and fuel tanks. Now if you have equipped your helicopter with the additional 2 x M134 miniguns 7.62 mm machine guns, Bring your target in front of you and open fire. They will obliterate the target and send it smoking to the ground, they have up to 3000 rounds in total. That’s 1,500 Rounds per mini gun, in addition to the 750 cannon rounds for the M197, that is potentially up to 3,750 rounds!
 
When engaging other helicopters, the triple barrel rotary cannon makes short work of any adversary. Make sure to load it with the air target belt, aim for critical elements of the rival helicopters such as cockpit, engine and fuel tanks. Now if you have equipped your helicopter with the additional 2 x M134 miniguns 7.62 mm machine guns, Bring your target in front of you and open fire. They will obliterate the target and send it smoking to the ground, they have up to 3000 rounds in total. That’s 1,500 Rounds per mini gun, in addition to the 750 cannon rounds for the M197, that is potentially up to 3,750 rounds!
  
 
====Ground forces====
 
====Ground forces====
−
 
−
Playing the AH-1F in ground forces, it is recommended to load up the 8x BG-71 Tow missiles & 38x FFAR Might mouse missiles. The BG-71 will give you the penetration at range in order to terminate tankers and with safety from the Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles. It is a wise tactic that Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles to be terminated first. Then once terminated, move into the battlefield and dominate the tanks with the 38 x FFAR Might mouse missiles, which can cause a lot of damage and could potentially terminate up to 38 tanks with well-placed shots.
 
  
−
The ideal tactic is to utilise the helicopter and the terrain. Such as maps which have forests and lots of tree lines, stay low over the trees and select your targets based on the threat to yourself first, then the impact to the team.  
+
Playing the AH-1F in ground forces, it is recommended to load up the 8x BG-71 Tow missiles & 38x FFAR Might mouse missiles. The BG-71 will give you the penetration at range in order to terminate tankers and with safety from the Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles. It is a wise tactic that Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles to be terminated first. Then once terminated, move into the battlefield and dominate the tanks with the 38 x FFAR Might mouse missiles, which can cause a lot of damage and could potentially terminate up to 38 tanks with well-placed shots.
 +
 
 +
The ideal tactic is to utilise the helicopter and the terrain. Such as maps which have forests and lots of tree lines, stay low over the trees and select your targets based on the threat to yourself first, then the impact to the team.
  
 
For example, if you have seen no enemy SPAA vehicles or other helicopters, climb in height, hover, then fire one or two missiles. Then quickly break off the hover and move to another part of the map, this way it allows you to stay undetected, remain stealthy and become a major threat to the enemy team.
 
For example, if you have seen no enemy SPAA vehicles or other helicopters, climb in height, hover, then fire one or two missiles. Then quickly break off the hover and move to another part of the map, this way it allows you to stay undetected, remain stealthy and become a major threat to the enemy team.
−
+
 
−
Handling radar and Surface to Air missiles, when an enemy missile equipped SPAA is achieving a lock on, you will be notified with red arrows on the screen saying radar. To break the lock start rolling, gaining speed and the arrows will go away. If you are not successful, keep a close watch around the helicopter. At this, you will see white smoke coming from the ground, make very sharp abrupt turns. Change height at the same time while turning and rolling to avoid the missile.  
+
Handling radar and Surface to Air missiles, when an enemy missile equipped SPAA is achieving a lock on, you will be notified with red arrows on the screen saying radar. To break the lock start rolling, gaining speed and the arrows will go away. If you are not successful, keep a close watch around the helicopter. At this, you will see white smoke coming from the ground, make very sharp abrupt turns. Change height at the same time while turning and rolling to avoid the missile.
−
+
 
 
{{Notice|Keep a close watch out for airplanes and other attack helicopters!|!!!}}
 
{{Notice|Keep a close watch out for airplanes and other attack helicopters!|!!!}}
  
−
===Modules===
+
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="3" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
 
| I
 
| I
 
| Compressor
 
| Compressor
−
|  
+
|
−
| Flack jacket
+
| Flak jacket
−
|Offensive 20 mm belts
+
| Offensive 20 mm
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| II
 
| II
−
|  
+
|
−
|  
+
|
 
| Helicopter frame
 
| Helicopter frame
 
| New 20 mm cannons
 
| New 20 mm cannons
−
| M261
+
| M200A1
 
| IRCM
 
| IRCM
 
|-
 
|-
Line 153: Line 148:
 
| Engine
 
| Engine
 
| Replacing helicopter blades
 
| Replacing helicopter blades
−
|  
+
| NVD
−
| Gun pod XM-18
+
| Gun pod M18A1
 
| TOW
 
| TOW
 
|
 
|
 
|-
 
|-
 
| IV
 
| IV
−
|  
+
|
−
|  
+
|
 
| Cover
 
| Cover
 
| New 7 mm MGs
 
| New 7 mm MGs
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=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "effective".''-->
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
 
 
* 20 mm gun performs better against heavy armour than the 7.62 mm minigun.
 
* 20 mm gun performs better against heavy armour than the 7.62 mm minigun.
−
* Great manoeuvrability  
+
* Great manoeuvrability
−
* Very agile, with secondary load outs installed  
+
* Very agile, with secondary load outs installed
−
* Great acceleration, very quick  
+
* Great acceleration, very quick
−
* Good secondary weapon loadout  
+
* Good secondary weapon loadout
−
 
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
 
+
* No flares
−
* No flairs
+
* Cannot equip air-to-air missiles
−
* No sidewinder Air-to-Air missiles
+
* 3 km range on its air-to-ground missiles
−
* 3 km range on its Air-to-Ground missiles
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!--Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.-->
+
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the helicopter in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 +
The AH-1F was born as the last iteration of the single engine variant of the Cobra helicopters. The development of this model can be traced back to the AH-1Q HueyCobra, which was basically an [[AH-1G]] with several systems attached to it, such as the XM65 TOW missile subsystem (which allowed it to operate the [[BGM-71 TOW]]), M73 reflex sight and a Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU). After this model was tested, a few upgrades such as a new T53-L-703 engine with a 1800 hp output, and several electronic changes were made to it. By this moment, it was known as AH-1S.
  
−
The AH-1F was born as the last iteration of the single engine variant of the Cobra helicopters. The development of this model can be traced back to the AH-1Q HueyCobra, which was basically an [[AH-1G]] with several systems attached to it, such as the XM65 TOW missile subsystem (which allowed it to operate the [[BGM-71 TOW]]), M73 reflex sight and a Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU). After this model was tested, a few upgrades such as a new T53-L-703 engine with a 1800 hp output, and several electronic changes were made to it. By this moment, it was known as AH-1S.  
+
The AH-1S had also several modernizations, known as "Step" modernizations. The AH-1S Step I (Also known as AH-1P) modernization program was basically what's known as the AH-1S MOD, with the upgrades listed above, and a new cockpit that included composite materials to enhance protection. The AH-1S Step 2 (Also known as AH-1E) introduced the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS), which included the 20 mm M197 rotary cannon, fitted into a M97A1 turret system.
  
−
The AH-1S had also several modernizations, known as "Step" modernizations. The AH-1S Step I (Also known as AH-1P) modernization program was basically what's known as the AH-1S MOD, with the upgrades listed above, and a new cockpit that included composite materials to enhance protection. The AH-1S Step 2 (Also known as AH-1E) introduced the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS), which included the 20mm M197 rotary cannon, fitted into a M97A1 turret system.
+
The AH-1F Included both the Step I and II upgrades, alongside upgrades on its armament system, a laser rangefinder, an IR suppressor mounted on the engine exhaust, and a IR dazzler, mounted on top of the engine.
−
 
 
−
The AH-1F Included both the Step I and II upgrades, alongside upgrades on it's armament system, a laser rangefinder, an IR supressor mounted on the engine exhaust, and a IR dazzler, mounted on top of the engine.
 
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
−
 
 
;Images
 
;Images
 
<div><ul>
 
<div><ul>
Line 217: Line 207:
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
<!--''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
* ''reference to the series of the helicopter;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
 
 
 
;Related development
 
;Related development
  
Line 232: Line 221:
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on helicopter;''
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the helicopter;''
−
* ''other literature.''-->
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
 
+
* [[wt:en/news/5709-development-mi-24-and-ah-1f-rotorcraft-icons-en|[Devblog] Mi-24 and AH-1F: Rotorcraft Icons]]
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5709-development-mi-24-and-ah-1f-rotorcraft-icons-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Mi-24 and AH-1F: Rotorcraft Icons]
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Bell}}
 
{{USA helicopters}}
 
{{USA helicopters}}
 
[[Category:Countermeasures]]
 
[[Category:Countermeasures]]

Revision as of 11:58, 4 February 2020

AH-1F
ah_1f.png
AH-1F
USA flag.png USA
VI Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
9.7 9.7 9.7
Class:
Research:370 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:990 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the American attack helicopter AH-1F. For other versions, see AH-1 (Family).

Description

GarageImage AH-1F.jpg


The AH-1F is a rank VI American attack helicopter with a battle rating of 9.7 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.81 "The Valkyries".

General info

Flight performance

The AH-1F has a single turboshaft T53-L-703 power plant, which provides up to 1300 bhp & 210 kgf with a mass of 350 kg. This turboshaft engine is able to push the AH-1F to speeds in excess of 277 km/h whilst carrying wing mounted armaments.

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
258 247 3,475
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 1,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres)
AB RB
288 277 3,475

Survivability and armour

The AH-1F is an armoured attack helicopter offering protection to the crew and engine:

  • Composite boron carbide seat enclosures, for both of the crew, with a thickness of 20 mm.
  • A steel seat, which offers a thickness of 12 mm for the pilot only.
  • Steel plate covers, offering 12 mm of thickness over the turboshaft engine.

The AH-1F compensates with its small and nimble size compared to the Mi-24 Hind's which are incredibly well armoured but are huge and slow in comparison. However, the AH-1F does not protect all of its critical components, such as: fuel tanks, transmission, propeller shaft & control surfaces with armour plating. Nor does it have armoured glass installed around the cockpit.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Main article: M197 (20 mm)

The AH-1F is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm M197 cannon, chin turret (750 rpg)

Suspended armament

The AH-1F engaged in combat, firing a TOW missile
Main articles: FFAR Mighty Mouse, BGM-71 TOW, M134 Minigun (7.62 mm)

The AH-1F can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 28 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 76 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets
  • 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
  • 14 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
  • 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
  • 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
  • 38 x FFAR Mighty Mouse rockets + 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles
  • 4 x BGM-71 TOW missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns
  • 8 x BGM-71 TOW missiles + 2 x 7.62 mm M134 Minigun machine guns

Usage in battles

When playing the AH-1F, select the helipad which is in the ideal tactical location for your playstyle. Climb to around 1500 meters, find a target, then descend on to them. It is critically important that you engage them from the rear of side. This way, it reduces their awareness of you, since they will be looking forward, this will help you by making the adversary become disoriented when attacked. This will give you a stealthy advantage, like a ninja. Advancing onto the target, come in as fast as possible, then slow down quickly, by raising the noise of the helicopter up. When slowed down, Engage the sight stabilizer and fire the tow missile and guide it onto the target.

If the target starts moving, rolling or starts trying to evade, keep the missile on the target and adjust to what your adversary is doing. Until you see an explosion, the target going down in flames whilst the reward and notification are showing up.

If out of the range, the missile will self-detonate and could give your position away, if your adversary looks around.

Msg-important.png Remember you only have around one and a half miles before the missiles will denote by them self, you can only select to carry either 4 or 8 BG-71 Tow missiles.

To overcome this, with enough time spent playing with the BG-71 missiles, you will be able to determine when you are within range based on your experience. This also applies to any other type of missile in the game too.

When engaging in Close quarters combat with other helicopters, the biggest threats are air-to-air missiles. Since the AH-1F only offers limited protection against them with countermeasures with its IRCM module. This means you need to stay alert, active & on the lookout for fast moving dots. If you see a small fast dot heading towards you, make very sharp abrupt turns, change height at the same time while turning and rolling.

Msg-warning.png These are the biggest threats to you in battle, since they can carry air-to-air missiles
Msg-important.png You may even be able to shoot down missiles with the installed 20 mm triple rotary M197 cannon.

When engaging other helicopters, the triple barrel rotary cannon makes short work of any adversary. Make sure to load it with the air target belt, aim for critical elements of the rival helicopters such as cockpit, engine and fuel tanks. Now if you have equipped your helicopter with the additional 2 x M134 miniguns 7.62 mm machine guns, Bring your target in front of you and open fire. They will obliterate the target and send it smoking to the ground, they have up to 3000 rounds in total. That’s 1,500 Rounds per mini gun, in addition to the 750 cannon rounds for the M197, that is potentially up to 3,750 rounds!

Ground forces

Playing the AH-1F in ground forces, it is recommended to load up the 8x BG-71 Tow missiles & 38x FFAR Might mouse missiles. The BG-71 will give you the penetration at range in order to terminate tankers and with safety from the Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles. It is a wise tactic that Anti-Aircraft Missile equipped anti-air vehicles to be terminated first. Then once terminated, move into the battlefield and dominate the tanks with the 38 x FFAR Might mouse missiles, which can cause a lot of damage and could potentially terminate up to 38 tanks with well-placed shots.

The ideal tactic is to utilise the helicopter and the terrain. Such as maps which have forests and lots of tree lines, stay low over the trees and select your targets based on the threat to yourself first, then the impact to the team.

For example, if you have seen no enemy SPAA vehicles or other helicopters, climb in height, hover, then fire one or two missiles. Then quickly break off the hover and move to another part of the map, this way it allows you to stay undetected, remain stealthy and become a major threat to the enemy team.

Handling radar and Surface to Air missiles, when an enemy missile equipped SPAA is achieving a lock on, you will be notified with red arrows on the screen saying radar. To break the lock start rolling, gaining speed and the arrows will go away. If you are not successful, keep a close watch around the helicopter. At this, you will see white smoke coming from the ground, make very sharp abrupt turns. Change height at the same time while turning and rolling to avoid the missile.

Msg-info.png Keep a close watch out for airplanes and other attack helicopters!

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Compressor Flak jacket Offensive 20 mm
II Helicopter frame New 20 mm cannons M200A1 IRCM
III Engine Replacing helicopter blades NVD Gun pod M18A1 TOW
IV Cover New 7 mm MGs TOW 4

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • 20 mm gun performs better against heavy armour than the 7.62 mm minigun.
  • Great manoeuvrability
  • Very agile, with secondary load outs installed
  • Great acceleration, very quick
  • Good secondary weapon loadout

Cons:

  • No flares
  • Cannot equip air-to-air missiles
  • 3 km range on its air-to-ground missiles

History

The AH-1F was born as the last iteration of the single engine variant of the Cobra helicopters. The development of this model can be traced back to the AH-1Q HueyCobra, which was basically an AH-1G with several systems attached to it, such as the XM65 TOW missile subsystem (which allowed it to operate the BGM-71 TOW), M73 reflex sight and a Telescopic Sight Unit (TSU). After this model was tested, a few upgrades such as a new T53-L-703 engine with a 1800 hp output, and several electronic changes were made to it. By this moment, it was known as AH-1S.

The AH-1S had also several modernizations, known as "Step" modernizations. The AH-1S Step I (Also known as AH-1P) modernization program was basically what's known as the AH-1S MOD, with the upgrades listed above, and a new cockpit that included composite materials to enhance protection. The AH-1S Step 2 (Also known as AH-1E) introduced the Enhanced Cobra Armament System (ECAS), which included the 20 mm M197 rotary cannon, fitted into a M97A1 turret system.

The AH-1F Included both the Step I and II upgrades, alongside upgrades on its armament system, a laser rangefinder, an IR suppressor mounted on the engine exhaust, and a IR dazzler, mounted on top of the engine.

Media

Images
  • AH-1F WTWallpaper 001.jpg
  • AH-1F WTWallpaper 002.jpg
  • AH-1F WTWallpaper 003.jpg
  • AH-1F WTWallpaper 004.jpg
  • AH-1F WTWallpaper 005.jpg
  • AH-1F WTWallpaper 006.jpg
  • AH-1F WTWallpaper 007.jpg
Skins
  • Standard camouflage initially available for the AH-1F in-game.
  • Sand Shark Camouflage - purchasable for 200 Golden Eagles
  • Tzefa of the Israeli Air Force - Semi-historical camouflage: Marketplace

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
  • Agusta A129 Mangusta

External links


Bell Aircraft Corporation
Aircraft 
Fighters  P-39N-0 · P-39Q-5
  P-400
  P-63A-10 · P-63A-5 · P-63C-5 · ␠Kingcobra
Jet Fighters  P-59A
Export  ▂P-39K-1 · ▂Pokryshkin's P-39N-0 · ▂P-39Q-15 · ▄P-39Q-25
  ▂P-63A-5 · ▂P-63A-10 · ▂P-63C-5 · ▄P-63C-5
Helicopters 
Attack  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z · AH-1W
  OH-58D
Utility  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30
Export/Licensed  ▅UH-1B · ◄UH-1D
  Tzefa A · Tzefa B · Tzefa D/E · ▅AH-1S early · ▅AH-1S · ▅AH-1S Kisarazu · ␗AH-1W
  ␗OH-58D
See Also  Fuji Heavy Industries · Agusta

USA helicopters
Attack 
Black Hawk  MH-60L DAP
Choctaw  H-34
Cobra  AH-1F · AH-1G · AH-1Z
SuperCobra  AH-1W
Kiowa  OH-58D
Little Bird  AH-6M
Apache  YAH-64 · AH-64A · ▃AH-64A Peten · AH-64A (GR) · AH-64D
Utility 
Huey  UH-1B · UH-1C · UH-1C XM-30

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